American movie stars died at 69
Here are 23 famous actors from United States of America died at 69:
Pete Conrad
Pete Conrad (June 2, 1930 Philadelphia-July 8, 1999 Ojai) also known as Commander Charles 'Pete' Conrad, Charles P. Conrad Jr., Charles 'Pete' Conrad Jr., Charles 'Pete' Conrad, Charles "Pete" Conrad, Jr., Charles Conrad Jr. or Pete was an American astronaut, actor and pilot. His children are called Peter Conrad, Andew Conrad, Christopher Conrad and Thomas Conrad.
He died caused by traffic collision.
Pete Conrad was one of the twelve astronauts who walked on the Moon as part of NASA's Apollo program. He made his first spaceflight aboard Gemini 5 in 1965 alongside fellow astronaut Gordon Cooper, establishing a new space endurance record of eight days in orbit. Conrad went on to command the Apollo 12 mission in 1969, becoming the third person to walk on the Moon.
In addition to his achievements in space travel, Conrad was also a decorated naval aviator, flying numerous combat missions during the Korean War. After leaving NASA in 1973, Conrad worked for several private companies as an aerospace consultant and served on several government committees related to space exploration. Outside of his professional life, he was an accomplished sailor and enjoyed racing yachts.
Sadly, Conrad passed away at the age of 69 in a motorcycle accident near his home in Ojai, California. Despite his untimely death, his legacy as a pioneering astronaut and accomplished pilot continues to inspire future generations of space explorers.
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Desi Arnaz
Desi Arnaz (March 2, 1917 Santiago de Cuba-December 2, 1986 Del Mar) a.k.a. Desiderio Arnaz, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz ye de Acha the Third, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha, III or Desi Arnaz, Sr. was an American comedian, singer, musician, television producer, actor, television director and film producer. His children are Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz, Jr. and Madeline Jane Dee.
He died as a result of lung cancer.
Desi Arnaz started as a musician, playing guitar and drums for Xavier Cugat's band. He later formed his own band, the Desi Arnaz Orchestra, and became a popular rumba musician in the 1940s. He is also known for his role in the popular TV show "I Love Lucy", which he co-starred in with his wife, Lucille Ball. Arnaz's production company, Desilu Productions, produced many successful TV shows, including "The Untouchables" and "Star Trek". Arnaz was awarded several honorary degrees during his lifetime and was posthumously inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. He is remembered as a pioneer in television production and one of the most talented performers in American history.
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Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas (May 7, 1933 Pittsburgh-September 11, 2002 Lutherville) a.k.a. Johnny U, The Golden Arm or John Constantine Unitas was an American american football player and actor. He had eight children, Janice Unitas, John Unitas Jr., Robert Unitas, Christopher Unitas, Kenneth Unitas, Francis Joseph Unitas, Chad Unitas and Alicia Ann Paige Unitas.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
Johnny Unitas is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of professional football. He played for the Baltimore Colts for the majority of his career and helped lead them to three NFL championships and one Super Bowl victory. Throughout his 18-year career, Unitas was selected to 10 Pro Bowls and was named the league MVP three times.
After retiring from football, Unitas briefly pursued a career in acting, appearing in several movies and television shows. He also became a successful businessman and was involved in various charitable endeavors. Unitas passed away in 2002 at the age of 69, but his legacy in the world of football lives on. Today, he is remembered as not only a great athlete, but also a trailblazer who revolutionized the quarterback position with his passing ability and leadership on the field.
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Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong (August 4, 1901 New Orleans-July 6, 1971 Corona) a.k.a. Satchmo, Pops, Louis Armstrong: Satchmo, Armstrong, Louis (Satchmo), Armstrong, Louis, Armstrong Louis, Luis Armstrong, Louis Armostrong, Louis Amstrong, Louis Arnstrong, Louie Armstrong, Loouis Aemstrong, Louise Armstrong, Louis Daniel Armstrong, Louis Armstrong's Hot Seven, Louis Armstrong and His All-Stars, Satchel Mouth, Satch, Satchelmouth, Dippermouth, Dipper, Daniel Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, gate mouth, Dippermouth Blues or dipper mouth was an American singer, trumpeter, musician and actor. He had one child, Clarence Armstrong.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
Louis Armstrong is one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time. He was born into poverty in New Orleans and was raised by his grandmother. He began playing music at a young age and was soon known for his exceptional trumpet playing and unique singing voice. He went on to record and perform with some of the most famous jazz musicians of his time, including Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. Some of his most famous songs include "What a Wonderful World," "Hello, Dolly!," and "Mack the Knife." Despite facing discrimination throughout his life, Armstrong remained a beloved figure in the music world and was recognized with numerous awards, including a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Chester Morris
Chester Morris (February 16, 1901 New York City-September 11, 1970 New Hope) also known as John Chester Brooks Morris was an American actor. He had three children, Kenton Morris, Cynthia Morris and Brooks Morris.
He died as a result of drug overdose.
Morris began his acting career on Broadway in 1919 and then went on to make his film debut in 1928. He played a variety of roles in his career, including tough guys and detectives. He is perhaps best known for his role as Boston Blackie in a series of films in the 1940s. He was also a skilled stage actor, and won a Tony Award for his performance in the play "Detective Story" in 1949. Morris struggled with drug addiction for much of his life, and his death was ruled accidental due to an overdose of barbiturates. Despite his personal struggles, he left a lasting legacy in the film and theater worlds.
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Tom McCall
Tom McCall (March 22, 1913 Scituate-January 8, 1983 Portland) was an American journalist, politician and actor.
He died as a result of prostate cancer.
Tom McCall was best known for serving as the Governor of Oregon from 1967 to 1975, where he transformed the state's environmental policies by advocating for conservation and cracking down on pollution. He was also a well-known journalist, working for several newspapers and radio stations in his early career, and later becoming a broadcast commentator.
Outside of his political career, McCall was also involved in acting, appearing in two films as well as several TV shows, including an episode of "Kung Fu." Despite his diverse career, he remained committed to his values of conservationism and progressive politics throughout his life. In his later years, he became an advocate for historic preservation and worked to protect the natural beauty of Oregon's landscapes. His legacy continues to inspire those who believe in environmentalism and social justice.
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Jackie Coogan
Jackie Coogan (October 26, 1914 Los Angeles-March 1, 1984 Santa Monica) a.k.a. Jack Coogan, John L. Coogan, Jackie or John Leslie Coogan was an American actor and child actor. He had four children, Christopher Fenton Coogan, Joann Dolliver Coogan, Leslie Diane Coogan and John Anthony Coogan.
He died caused by cardiac arrest.
Coogan began his career in silent films at the age of three and became famous for his role as the titular character in the film "The Kid" (1921) opposite Charlie Chaplin. However, Coogan's parents mismanaged the fortune he earned from his acting career, which led to a landmark legal case that resulted in the creation of the Coogan Act, which protected child actors' earnings.
In his later years, Coogan continued acting in films and television, including a recurring role as Uncle Fester in the TV series "The Addams Family" in the 1960s. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Coogan was married twice, including to actress Betty Grable, and was known for his philanthropic work with children's charities.
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Harold Ramis
Harold Ramis (November 21, 1944 Chicago-February 24, 2014 North Shore) also known as Harold Allen Ramis was an American comedian, film director, actor, writer, film producer, screenwriter, television producer, television director and voice actor. He had three children, Violet Ramis, Julian Arthur Ramis and Daniel Hayes Ramis.
He died in vasculitis.
Ramis was best known for his work in the comedy industry, particularly for his roles in the films "Ghostbusters", "Stripes", and "Groundhog Day". He began his career as a writer for the television show "SCTV" before transitioning to film with "National Lampoon's Animal House". Ramis also directed several successful films, including "Caddyshack" and "Analyze This". In addition to his work on screen, Ramis was also an accomplished teacher, having taught at the Second City Training Center and the Film School of Columbia College Chicago. His contributions to the entertainment industry continue to be celebrated by fans and peers alike.
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Stephen J. Cannell
Stephen J. Cannell (February 5, 1941 Los Angeles-September 30, 2010 Pasadena) also known as Stephen Joseph Cannell, Stephen Cannell, Steven J. Cannell or Steve Cannell was an American television producer, film producer, actor, screenwriter, novelist and television director. He had four children, Cody Cannell, Chelsea Cannell, Derek Cannell and Tawnia McKiernan.
He died in melanoma.
Cannell is best known for creating or co-creating several popular television shows, including "The Rockford Files", "The A-Team", "21 Jump Street", and "The Greatest American Hero". He also wrote several bestselling novels, including the Shane Scully series and the Vigilante series. Cannell started his career as a scriptwriter in the late 1960s and worked on shows like "Adam-12" and "Ironside". He won an Emmy Award in 1978 for his work on "The Rockford Files" and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2010. In addition to his creative endeavors, Cannell was a strong advocate for literacy and founded the Stephen J. Cannell Literacy Foundation to support reading programs for children and adults.
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Buddy Rich
Buddy Rich (September 30, 1917 Brooklyn-April 2, 1987) also known as Bernard Rich, Rich, Buddy or Bernard "Buddy" Rich was an American bandleader, drummer, actor, songwriter and musician.
He died as a result of brain tumor.
Buddy Rich was known for his exceptional drumming skills and his career as a bandleader spanned over five decades. He started playing drums at the age of 2 and by the time he was 11, he was already performing as a professional musician. Rich performed with many renowned musicians and bands including Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, and Frank Sinatra. He was also one of the few drummers who performed jazz solos on the drums.
Rich's aggressive drumming style and showmanship made him a popular figure in the music industry, and he was often regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time. In addition to his successful music career, he also appeared in a number of films and television shows. Despite his success, he faced criticism for his temperamental behavior and his treatment of his fellow band members.
Rich continued to perform and record music until his death in 1987. His legacy as a musician has been acknowledged by many musicians who cite him as a major influence on their music. His drumming still serves as an inspiration to many aspiring drummers.
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Ozzie Nelson
Ozzie Nelson (March 20, 1906 Jersey City-June 3, 1975 Hollywood) a.k.a. Oswald George Nelson, Nelson, Ozzie, Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra, Ozzie, Oswald George "Ozzie" Nelson, Oswald "Ozzie" Nelson, Nelson, Oswald "Ozzie" Nelson George or Ozzien was an American actor, screenwriter, television producer, television director and film producer. He had two children, Ricky Nelson and David Nelson.
He died caused by liver tumour.
Ozzie Nelson was best known for his role on the television sitcom "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" which aired from 1952 to 1966. He not only starred on the show, but also directed many episodes and acted as the producer. Ozzie started his career as a musician, forming Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra with Harriet, his wife, as the lead singer. They even had their own radio show before transitioning to television. As a screenwriter, Ozzie co-wrote and produced the film "Here Come the Nelsons" which was the inspiration for the TV series. He was also a respected author in his later years, publishing several books including his autobiography "Ozzie". Ozzie and Harriet's sons, Ricky and David, both followed in their parents' footsteps and had successful careers in music and acting.
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Dave Garroway
Dave Garroway (July 13, 1913 Schenectady-July 21, 1982 Swarthmore) also known as David Cunningham Garroway or David Cunningham "Dave" Garroway was an American journalist and actor. His children are Paris Garroway, Michael Garroway and David Garroway Jr.
He died as a result of suicide.
Dave Garroway was best known as the founding host of NBC's "Today" show, which he hosted from 1952 to 1961. He was known for his friendly and laid-back demeanor, as well as his willingness to try new things on live television. Notably, he introduced the now-famous "Today" show chimpanzee mascot, J. Fred Muggs, to the audience. Garroway's journalism career included stints at various radio stations and the NBC network. He was also a published author, writing books on topics ranging from bird-watching to his own experiences in television. Despite his professional success, Garroway struggled with depression and ultimately took his own life in 1982.
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Ramon Novarro
Ramon Novarro (February 6, 1899 Durango-October 30, 1968 North Hollywood) also known as José Ramón Gil Samaniego, Ramón Gil Samaniego, Ramon Samaniegos, Ramón Samaniego or Ramon Samaniego was an American actor and film director.
He died in murder.
Novarro was born in Durango, Mexico and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was a child. He began his career as a silent film actor in the early 1920s and quickly gained fame for his good looks and acting ability. He starred in several successful films, including "Ben-Hur" and "The Student Prince in Old Heidelberg."
In addition to acting, Novarro also directed several films during his career. He was known for his advocacy of fellow Latino actors and for his philanthropic work. However, his life was tragically cut short when he was murdered in his home in 1968 by two brothers who had been hired to rob him. The case received widespread media attention and ultimately led to the conviction of the two men.
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Jerry Orbach
Jerry Orbach (October 20, 1935 The Bronx-December 28, 2004 New York City) also known as Jerome Bernard Orbach, Jerome Bernard "Jerry" Orbach or Jerry was an American actor, singer and voice actor. His children are called Chris Orbach and Anthony Nicholas Orbach.
He died caused by prostate cancer.
Jerry Orbach began his career in the 1950s as a Broadway actor, and went on to appear in numerous productions over the years. He won a Tony Award for his role in the musical "Promises, Promises" in 1969. Orbach is perhaps best known for his role as Detective Lennie Briscoe on the long-running television series "Law and Order," a role he played from 1992 until 2004. He was also a popular voice actor, lending his voice to characters in the animated films "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," among others. In addition to his work on stage and screen, Orbach was actively involved in various charitable causes throughout his life.
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Wilfred Lucas
Wilfred Lucas (January 30, 1871 Norfolk County-December 13, 1940 Los Angeles) also known as Lucas, Norman Wilfred Lucas or Alexander Harvey was an American film director, actor and screenwriter. His child is called John Meredyth Lucas.
Wilfred Lucas began his career in the film industry as an actor in 1909. Over the following decades, he appeared in dozens of films, including notable works like "The Birth of a Nation," "Intolerance," and "The Kid." In addition to acting, Lucas also directed and wrote screenplays. He directed over 80 films and wrote screenplays for over 100 films. Lucas was known for his attention to detail and his ability to tell stories with a strong narrative. He worked with many of the biggest stars of his time, including Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. Outside of his film work, Lucas was known for his love of aviation and was an accomplished pilot. He passed away in 1940 at the age of 69.
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Edmond O'Brien
Edmond O'Brien (September 10, 1915 New York City-May 9, 1985 Inglewood) a.k.a. Redmond O'Brien, Edmund O'Brien, Sgt. Edmond O'Brien, Eddy or Tiger was an American actor and film director. His children are Brendan O'Brien, Maria O'Brien and Bridget O'Brien.
He died as a result of alzheimer's disease.
Edmond O'Brien started his acting career by performing in various theatres across the US. He made his debut in films in 1939 and gained prominence for his role in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" in 1939. He was known for his versatility and played a variety of roles in a career that spanned over five decades.
He won several accolades including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Barefoot Contessa" and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Seven Days in May".
In addition to his acting career, O'Brien also directed several films and television shows. Some of the notable films he directed include "Shield for Murder" and "The Bigamist".
O'Brien was married twice and had three children. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in the 1970s and became an advocate for Alzheimer's research. He passed away in 1985 at the age of 69.
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Ed Begley
Ed Begley (March 25, 1901 Hartford-April 28, 1970 Hollywood) otherwise known as Edward James Begley, Edward James Begley, Sr., Ed Begley, Sr., Edward Begley or Edward James "Ed" Begley, Sr. was an American actor. His child is Ed Begley, Jr..
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Ed Begley was born on March 25, 1901, in Hartford, Connecticut. He started his career as a Broadway actor and made his film debut in the early 1940s. Begley is best known for his role as the corrupt police officer in the 1953 film "On the Waterfront", which won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Throughout his career, Begley appeared in more than 200 films and television shows, including "12 Angry Men", "The Unsinkable Molly Brown", and "The Twilight Zone". He was also known for his work as a character actor on the stage, appearing in several notable productions on Broadway.
Begley was an outspoken advocate for environmentalism, and he was known for riding his bicycle everywhere and even installing a solar water heater in his home. His commitment to the environment was so strong that he even refused to work on films that he felt were detrimental to the environment.
Ed Begley passed away on April 28, 1970, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 69 due to a myocardial infarction. Despite his short life, he had a significant impact on both the entertainment industry and the environmental movement.
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Dennis Farina
Dennis Farina (February 29, 1944 Chicago-July 22, 2013 Scottsdale) also known as Donaldo Guglielmo Farina, Dennis G Farina or The Great Wounder was an American actor and police officer. He had three children, Joe Farina, Dennis Farina Jr. and Michael J. Farina.
He died caused by pulmonary embolism.
Dennis Farina started his career in show business after he retired from the Chicago Police Department in 1985, where he had been a detective for 18 years. He initially worked as a consultant for the TV show "Miami Vice" and later on, he got his first acting role in Michael Mann's 1986 film "Thief." Farina quickly became known for his tough-guy persona and gravelly voice, which served him well in his subsequent roles in movies like "Midnight Run," "Get Shorty," "Out of Sight," and "Saving Private Ryan."
In addition to his film work, Farina also appeared in numerous TV shows, including "Law & Order," "New Girl," and "Empire." He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Detective Joe Fontana on "Law & Order" and was nominated for an Emmy for his performance.
Throughout his career, Farina maintained close ties to his hometown of Chicago, often returning to support local charities and sports teams. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and was invited to throw out the first pitch at Wrigley Field on his 70th birthday.
Farina's death in 2013 was a great loss to the entertainment industry and to his many fans. He will be remembered as a talented actor, a devoted father, and a beloved member of the Chicago community.
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Harry Carey
Harry Carey (January 16, 1878 The Bronx-September 21, 1947 Brentwood) also known as Henry Carey, H.D. Carey, Harry D. Carey, Harry Carey Sr., Henry DeWitt Carey II, Henry D. Carey, Harry Carey Senior, Carey or Harry, Sr. was an American actor, film producer, screenwriter and film director. His children are Harry Carey, Jr. and Ellen Carey.
He died as a result of emphysema.
Harry Carey's career spanned over four decades in Hollywood, during which he appeared in over 200 films. He started his career in the silent film era and appeared in many notable films such as "Straight Shooting," "The Vanishing American," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," and "Red River." Carey is perhaps best remembered for his roles in the Western genre, and is considered one of the pioneers of the genre.
In addition to his acting career, Carey also produced and directed several films. He co-founded the production company Harry Carey Productions, which produced a number of films including "Below the Border," "Sagebrush Trail," and "Thundering Frontier."
Carey was married twice, first to actress Olive Golden and later to actress and screenwriter Francelia Billington. Both marriages ended in divorce. He died in 1947, at the age of 69, from complications related to emphysema. He was buried at the Mission San Fernando Rey de España in Mission Hills, California.
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Alan Reed
Alan Reed (August 20, 1907 New York City-June 14, 1977 Los Angeles) also known as Edward Bergman, Teddy, Theodore Bergman, Blubber Bergman, Teddy Bergman, Allen Reed Sr., Alan Reed Sr., Falstaff Openshaw or Herbert Theodore "Teddy" Bergman was an American actor and voice actor. His child is called Alan Reed Jr..
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
Alan Reed was a versatile performer who started his career on Broadway in the 1920s. He appeared in a number of films in the 1930s and 1940s, often playing tough-talking gangsters or other colorful supporting characters. Reed is perhaps best known, however, for his work as a voice actor. He provided the voice of Fred Flintstone in the classic animated series "The Flintstones" and also did voice work for other popular shows such as "The Alvin Show," "Mr. Magoo," and "The Jetsons." Despite his success in show business, Reed kept a low profile and was known for being a humble and hardworking actor. Today he is remembered as one of the great talents of the golden age of television and animation.
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Gardner McKay
Gardner McKay (June 10, 1932 Manhattan-November 21, 2001 Hawaii Kai) otherwise known as George Cadogan Gardner McKay was an American actor.
He died caused by prostate cancer.
Gardner McKay was not only known for his acting career but also for his talent as a writer. He was the author of several novels and plays, including "Toyer" and "Sea Marks". McKay also worked as a journalist and wrote for publications such as The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune. Before pursuing a career in the arts, McKay served in the United States Marine Corps and worked as a commercial fisherman. He was also a skilled sailor and spent many years traveling the world on his boat, the "Raider". Despite his success in multiple fields, McKay's legacy is often overshadowed by his brief but memorable acting career, which included appearances in shows like "Adventures in Paradise" and "The Survivors".
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Lane Smith
Lane Smith (April 29, 1936 Memphis-June 13, 2005 Northridge) a.k.a. Walter Lane Smith or Walter Lane Smith III was an American presenter and actor. His children are called Robertson Smith and Lane Smith Jr..
He died caused by motor neuron disease.
Lane Smith began his career in the entertainment industry as a presenter and worked for various television stations. He later transitioned to acting and appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career. Some of his notable roles include portraying Richard Nixon in the film "The Final Days," Judge Julius Hoffman in "Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago 8," and Perry White in the TV series "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman."
Apart from his successful acting career, Lane Smith was also a devoted family man. He had two sons, Robertson and Lane Jr., with his wife Debbie Benedict. They were married for 36 years until his death in 2005.
Lane Smith was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2004 and advocated for better research and treatment for the disease until his death. He was admired by many in the industry and remembered for his talent, kindness, and dedication to his family and causes he believed in.
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Joseph N. Welch
Joseph N. Welch (October 22, 1890 Primghar-October 6, 1960 Cape Cod Hospital) also known as Joseph Nye Welch was an American lawyer and actor. He had two children, Lyndon Welch and Joe Welch.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Welch is best known for his role as the chief counsel for the United States Army during the Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954, where he famously asked Senator Joseph McCarthy, "Have you no sense of decency, sir?" This marked a turning point in the public’s perception of McCarthy, and is often cited as the beginning of his downfall.
Before his famous role in the hearings, Welch had a successful career as a lawyer and was a partner at the law firm Hale and Dorr in Boston. He also served as the special counsel to the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations in 1944.
In addition to his legal career, Welch was also a keen actor, performing in several plays and even appearing in a few films, including the 1959 adaptation of "Anatomy of a Murder."
Welch's legacy continues to be felt in American politics today, as his famous rebuke of McCarthy is often cited as an important moment in the fight against political extremism and demagoguery.
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